Geriatric Evaluation Management

What we do

The GEM@Home Program provides short-term care and services for older people (and sometimes younger people) in a flexible environment. By offering maintenance (low level) therapy and support the GEM@Home program allows older people to continue their recovery out of hospital while appropriate long-term care is arranged.

GEM@Home can either be provided in a bed-based care setting or in your own home. Where you receive the care will depend on the type of care you need.

GEM@Home care is provided by a geriatrician and a multi-disciplinary team.

Most people will stay on the program for four to six weeks. 

The type of care you receive will depend on what you need and where you receive GEM@Home.

Services

Services may include:

• Case management
• Nursing
• Domestic home care, such as cleaning services
• Meal assistance
• Help with bathing and showering
• Organisation of appointments (including transport)
• Social activities
• Maintenance therapy as provided by allied health staff such as a physiotherapist
• Continence aids
• Equipment, as recommended by the physiotherapist or occupational therapist, such as a shower chair
• In–home respite

Who we care for

Typically older people who have been in hospital for a length of time, and who have been approved by a geriatrician.

What is the cost

GEM@Home is funded similarly to an inpatient hospital admission, there is no charge to yourself for the GEM@Home services.

You need to pay for your own medications.

How to access this service

Through the Bendigo Health Referral centre

Referrals can come from the hospital, your GP, yourself or another health professional you are seeing.